Millions of shipments are sent across the world and they all need to be checked, classified and taxed by customs authorities. Product names may differ from country to country. In order to have clarity in advance what is being shipped there is a system of so-called HS codes.

What Are Harmonized System (HS) Shipping Codes?

The HS code is a worldwide terminology for the classification of items. It helps customs in various countries to make sure that they are talking about the same product and the HS code of a product also determines the import duties. Worldwide it is a six-digit code framework for grouping and categories different merchandise and goods being exported.

Where to find the HS-code list?

Different countries may have different versions of the HS code list, but at least the first 6 digits are fully harmonised. You can find a good website to lookup the code for your product here.

How many Harmonized System (HS) shipping codes are there?

There are approximately in circulation 5,300 HS codes that identify export goods that are broken down into headings along with subheadings. They are also arranged into 99 different chapters around with being grouped into 21 sections. The shipping code is broken into the following three different parts:

The first two digits give a rough indication of the product an refer to the various chapters of the list (HS-2).

The following two digits within the code help to further identity the product category (HS-4).

The final two digits within the code are extremely specific to the goods that are exported (HS-6).

There are only a couple of countries who do not follow the current version of the 3 for the HS-6 level. They apply the old version of Harmonized System rather than the new updated version.

Harmonized System and Harmonized Tariff Schedule

The Harmonized Systems (HS) is linked with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the various countries where you want to export to, for example the one of the United States. Depending on the HS code that you assign to your goods, you will have to pay import duties. If you do not apply these codes correctly your goods may be seized or you may face penalties. Especially where two or more HS codes may be applied you may want to check first with customs in the target country.